Downtown Derby: Nigeria Eludes Algeria to Punch AFCON 2025 Semifinalists
10 January 2026
Clash of the Eagles: Nigeria ousts Algeria in AFCON 2025 quarterfinal
Nigeria edged Algeria 2-0 in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals, sealing a semifinal against host Morocco. The contest looked favorable for the Super Eagles after a controlled start and a late burst in the second half.
On-field drama and security surround the officials
Players from both sides entered the field after the final whistle to calm tensions, while security surrounded the refereeing crew amid protests from Algerian players. A controversial moment in the first half, when a handball from Simi Ajayi was not awarded, added to the drama.
Goals and road to the semis
Victor Osimhen opened the scoring early in the second half, and Akor Adams added a second in the 57th minute as Nigeria dominated the proceedings. Nigeria had earlier crushed Mozambique 4-0 in the quarterfinals, while Algeria had knocked out the Democratic Republic of the Congo in extra time (1-0).
The match teaser: The desert foxes and the eagle watched the script flip on the pitch—and the crowd? They were somewhere between thunder and confetti.
Punchline: If football were a comedy show, tonight they'd be selling tickets to a sold-out crowd called “VAR.” Punchline 2: The only thing more dramatic than this match is my attempt to pronounce Akor Adams after a late-night kebab.
